How to Avoid a Fundraising Raffle Fail

Raffles can be a fantastic way to raise funds for your cause, but they can also go wrong if you're not careful.
Whether you’re running your first raffle or you're a seasoned pro, there are common pitfalls that can turn a fundraising dream into a fundraising fail.
So, how do you avoid these missteps and ensure your raffle is a success? We've put together eight essential tips to help you pull off a flawless raffle that brings in both money and smiles.
1. Plan Ahead and Set Clear Goals
Before you start selling tickets, take a moment to plan. What are your fundraising goals? How much do you want to raise, and how will the raffle tie into the bigger picture of your event or campaign?
Setting clear financial targets helps you stay focused and ensures your raffle aligns with your overall strategy. Plus, it gives your team something concrete to aim for. Whether it's $500 or $5,000, having a clear goal keeps everyone motivated!
2. Choose the Right Prizes
Prize selection is crucial. The more appealing the prize, the more tickets you'll sell. But don't feel pressured to offer extravagant giveaways. Sometimes, the best prizes are unique experiences or items that resonate with your audience. Think local—gift certificates to local restaurants, event tickets, or even something custom-made for your community. Keep in mind that your prize should match the ticket price to encourage participants to feel like they're getting good value for their money.
3. Know the Legal Requirements
No one wants a raffle to get caught in a legal tangle! Raffles are regulated, and the rules can vary depending on where you're located. Before you start selling tickets, make sure you know the legal requirements in your area.
Do you need a permit? Are there restrictions on how the funds can be used? If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking with local authorities or seeking legal advice. Running a raffle without the proper paperwork could result in fines or worse—so it’s best to be on the safe side.
4. Avoid Paper Tickets: Go Digital Instead
In the age of technology, why rely on paper tickets when digital platforms like GalaBid make the process easier, safer, and more efficient?
Paper tickets can be easily lost, are time-consuming to track, and require manual effort to handle. Digital platforms not only streamline ticket sales, but they also automatically update your records, reducing the risk of errors.
Plus, they allow you to reach a broader audience—selling tickets online means your raffle is no longer limited to just local buyers. With the ability to track sales in real-time, digital raffles provide transparency and convenience for both organizers and participants.
5. Promote Early and Often
Don’t wait until the last minute to start promoting your raffle. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to sell tickets and build excitement.
Use your website, social media channels, email newsletters, and any other platforms at your disposal to keep people in the loop. Be sure to mention the prizes, how the funds will be used, and what makes your raffle special. Make your messaging clear, concise, and engaging, and update your audience regularly to keep the buzz going.
6. Set a Realistic Ticket Price
Setting the right ticket price is a balancing act. You want it to be affordable for your supporters while still raising enough money to meet your fundraising goal. Consider your audience—what would they be willing to pay for a chance to win your prizes?
Avoid pricing tickets too high, as this may turn people off, but don’t price them so low that you can’t raise significant funds. Also, consider offering multiple raffle ticket packages, a proven way to boost sales.
7. Make It Easy to Buy Tickets
The easier you make it to buy raffle tickets, the more likely people are to participate. If you're using a digital platform, make sure the process is user-friendly—participants should be able to buy tickets with just a few clicks.
If you're selling in-person, make sure your digital raffle platform has a secure payment gateway that’s easy to use. Even better if it supports trusted payment portals like Google Pay and Apple pay. The fewer barriers to entry, the better. And if you’re selling online, be sure to offer multiple payment methods to accommodate different preferences.
8. Draw and Announce Winners Transparently
Once the raffle is over, the big moment arrives—drawing the winner. To keep things fair and transparent, make sure the drawing is done in a public manner, whether it’s streamed online or held at a live event.
People want to know that the raffle was conducted honestly and without bias. You can even get creative with the announcement, making it an exciting part of your event or campaign.
GalaBid’s digital raffle platform includes a virtual draw feature, a dynamic draw display and automated winning ticket notifications - everything you need for a fair and transparent raffle draw.
In Summary
By following these eight tips, you’ll avoid the most common fundraising raffle mistakes and set yourself up for success. Remember, a raffle is about more than just raising money—it’s about bringing people together to support a cause they care about. So, keep it fun, keep it transparent, and keep the focus on your mission.
And when you’re ready to start selling those tickets, make sure you choose a digital platform like GalaBid to make the whole process smoother, simpler, and more secure.
Here's to a raffle that doesn’t just meet your expectations but exceeds them!
Happy fundraising! 🎉
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About GalaBid
Ideal for donations. Perfect for Raffles. Awesome for Live and Silent Auctions! GalaBid’s online fundraising platform is designed for fundraisers of all types and sizes. For over 10 years we’ve been helping non-profits, charities, community clubs, churches, schools, and individuals to raise more and make a difference.
